Find Technology Advice In Their Own Backyards Fishermen Are Helping To Keep Oceans Healthy (NAPSA)—Recreational fishermen are helping the government reel in information on the health o f t h e o c e a n a nd i t s ecosystems. This role is likely to become even more important as efforts in crease to restore and protect our oceans. A new initiative, called the Marine Recreational Information Program, or MRIP, is improving the way the government estimates how many people are fishing, how often, and what’s being caught. “Catch and effort” figures, as these estimates are known, are based on information collected by anglers and voluntarily provided to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA. Getting this information as accurate as possible is essential, as they are the building blocks of ocean policy. Anyone who has ever tried to estimate how many grains of sand make up a beach can appreciate the challenge. Actually, using a combination of math and statistical sampling, scientists have come up with a way to approach the problem. Very similar techniques are used to answer an equally complex yet far more consequential question: How many fish are there in any given area of ocean? Fishermen are the key to finding the answer. They know better than anyone what they’re catching and how frequently they’re out on the water. The question itself is so im portant because knowing to the best of our ability the size and health of fish stocks is the linch- (NAPSA)—Setting up shop as an entrepreneur can be as exhilarating as it can be daunting. Entrepreneurs often find the details of managing their businesses are on-the-job training lessons. For example, many small business owners know they need a wireless phone, but it’s sometimes after they have purchased the lat- Saltwater anglers are providing researchers with vital information on the health of the ocean and its ecosystems. pin in devising policies that safeguard our oceans’ many bounties—food, livelihoods, recreation, environmental benefits—for fu ture generations. Plus, scientists tell us that the world’s oceans are in trouble. Threats from pollution, climate change and, in some cases, overfishing are putting never-beforeseen pressure on fisheries. An accurate picture is also important because sportfishing is important to so many Americans. More Americans fish in saltwater (15 million) than play tennis (10 million). And the $30 billion generated by saltwater angling supports more than a quarter million jobs and is the economic lifeblood of many coastal communities. For more about how fishermen are helping to protect our oceans, visit www.countmyfish.noaa.gov. Local resources could help answer technology questions for small businesses. est trendy device that they learn of wireless options better suited to meet their specific business needs. Today, wireless technology changes quickly, so every business owner needs to adopt an efficient, cost-effective mobile solution that can evolve as the business develops. The challenge becomes finding the right individuals—at the right price—to help navigate the maze of technology options. Sometimes, resources can be found right in the community in which the business operates. Verizon Wireless, for example, encourages store representatives to develop long-term relationships with customers and serve as consultants to help businesses select the best wireless technology. In addition, the company offers small business owners online resources so those in similar circumstances can connect and learn from one another. A quick scan of its small business site found case studies, blogs and forums to help entrepreneurs learn about wireless solutions that can help provide a return on investment. For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/small business. Tips On Driving A “Greener” Car (NAPSA)—Putting your car on the road to better performance while showing concern for the environment may be easier than you think. Here are some tips: • Drive Green—Recognize that how you drive has a lot to do with fuel economy. Jerky and aggressive driving decreases your miles per gallon (MPG) and in creases wear and tear on your vehicle. Avoid sudden starts and stops and go the speed limit. Minimize unnecessary miles by combining errands in one trip. • Get a Tune-Up—Regular tune-ups, maintenance and having clean air filters will help your car pollute less and burn less gas. With a proper tune-up, you can save 4 percent on the cost of gas, and up to 40 percent by replacing a faulty oxygen sensor. Simply changing the car’s air filter can improve efficiency by 10 percent. • Lighten the Load—Extra items can weigh a vehicle down and cause an increase in gas usage. Empty out the trunk with the exception of emergency items such as a spare tire, flares and a first-aid kit. • Tire Checks—According to the Car Care Council, around 2 bil- lion gallons of gas could be saved each year if the tires on every American’s car were properly inflated. Tires that are not properly inflated add rolling resistance that makes the engine work harder to move the vehicle. Optimal tire pressure for your vehicle is listed in the owner’s manual. • Gas Caps and Fill-Ups— Check your vehicle’s gas cap. Approximately 17 percent of vehicles on the road have loose, damaged or missing gas caps, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year. Topping off your gas tank when filling up your car can also release harmful vapors into the environment. “Driving technique and proper vehicle maintenance go a long way toward protecting the environment. Vehicle owners who do their own maintenance should remember to recycle or properly dispose of fluids and other vehicle components, including used motor oil, tires and batteries,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. More information about environmental awareness and your automobile is included in a digital car care guide that can be accessed through the Council’s Web site at www.carcare.org. Because of friction caused by tides, the Earth’s rotation slows and the day increases about a millisecond each century. The first vaccination ever given was to 8-year-old James Phipps in England. 4 Web Site Offers Tips On Effective Home Cooling (NAPSA)—At any time of year, homeowners want their abode to be cool and comfortable—and that can be a challenge when the sun is blazing outside. Fortunately, there are practical ways to cool down when the temperature heats up. For example, consumers who purchase room air conditioners can enjoy new features such as varying fan speeds, remote controls, timers and different types of filters. The average room air conditioners manufactured in 2008 also use 23 percent less energy than units made in 1990—and ENERGY STAR units use even less. Before going to the store to purchase a new unit, consumers may want to visit www.cooloff.org to search through a list of models that are certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). It’s important to consider two important factors to get the maximum benefit: cooling capacity and efficiency. Many people size air conditioners incorrectly, purchasing an air conditioner with more cooling capacity than needed. More is not necessarily better; a unit with too much capacity may cool a room so quickly that it won’t run long enough to lower humidity. More important, you will be wasting energy and money. Cooloff.org also offers a cooling calculator for consumers to determine the proper cooling capacity for their room. The site will take you through a series of questions before recommending models that fit your needs. Once you know what size unit you need, consider its operating efficiency. The higher the energy efficiency ratio, or EER, the more efficient the model. When shopping, you’ll also want to look for the “AHAM-certified” seal. Certified models have been tested and their performance verified by an independent laboratory, assuring consumers that the product will perform according to the manufacturer’s product claims. Once you have the right air conditioner for your home size, you’ll want to keep it running smoothly. Here are some maintenance tips from AHAM: • Turn off the unit and open doors and windows during cooler periods. • Use the unit fan and portable fans to draw in cooler outside air and increase circulation. • Use a higher (warmer) thermostat setting during peak periods or when the area is unoccupied. • Regularly change or clean filters and check airflow for blockage or frost on evaporator coils. For more tips on how to beat the heat with air conditioners, visit www.cooloff.org. (NAPSA)—Regular oil changes help prevent engine wear and can even save on gas money. Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy, for example, provides up to 2 percent fuel economy improvement. This fully synthetic motor oil also offers great engine protection in extreme temperatures. *** One way to help the environment and improve the curb appeal of your house is with interlocking concrete pavement. You can learn about interlocking concrete pavement and find an experienced, professional installer by visiting the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute’s Web site at www.icpi.org. *** The nation’s consumer protection agency, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), offers tips to help avoid scams when you donate to charities. Visit www.ftc.gov/charityfraud. *** An all-natural cat litter, such as Feline Pine, might help protect kitty from carcinogens. It’s made from 100 percent natural, biodegradable pine, is silica dust free and proven to produce less dust in general than other litters. Visit www.felinepine.com. *** The Heartfelt Moments Obesity Health Education Campaign provides resources and tools for women who want to lower their risk at www.HeartfeltMoments. org of heart disease by losing weight. The campaign is sponsored by Allergan, Inc., developers of the LAP-BAND AP Adjustable Gastric Banding System. *** Using forward osmosis technology, Hydration Technology Innovations (HTI) has developed an easy-to-use filtration system that turns any type of contaminated or polluted water into a safe, nutrient-rich drink. The HTI LifePack is convenient in an emergency situation because it requires no electricity, no pumping and no bitter chemicals. For more information, visit www.htiwater.com. *** The latest moisturizers fight wrinkles immediately and over the long term. For example, new Tri-Aktiline Total Face Instant Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizer from GoodSkin Labs, available at Kohl’s department stores, has been shown to help immediately reduce the appearance of dry skin and fine lines. Room air conditioners can be an effective, efficient way to keep your home cool and comfortable.
